Huge illegal net seized at Nudgee

May 4, 2018

FISHERIES Queensland has fined three people thousands of dollars for illegal netting after fisheries officers seized a net measuring almost 130 metres at Nudgee earlier this month.

Queensland Boating & Fisheries Patrol District Manager Brett Depper said a tip off to the Fishwatch hotline number 1800 017 116 led to the seizure. “We rely on the community reporting suspected illegal activities through the Fishwatch hotline and this was a good outcome,” he said. “Initial information provided through Fishwatch led us to undertake further monitoring of the area, resulting in the detection and seizure of a further three nets. Three recreational fishers were issued with Fisheries Infringement Notices for using an unauthorised fishing apparatus and taking undersized fish, with fines totalling almost $5,000.”

Mr Depper said patrols would continue to monitor the area, particularly with the mullet season approaching. “The majority of fishers do the right but I am urging people to make sure they understand the types and sizes of fishing apparatus they can possess and use,” he said.